tracked winner until over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner approaching final furlong, stayed on towards finish
close up, pushed along 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
pushed along early in rear, headway halfway, soon tracked winner, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong
made all, pushed along 2f out, ridden inside final furlong, stayed on
An interesting affair with Nivoko heading the weights on a first start since joining Archie Watson from Andre Fabre in France. The market may prove the best guide on a first run for 245 days. Million Thanks and First Officer probably require a little respite from the handicapper, whereas DISCRETION shaped well on reappearance and should progress for the run, especially now his yard has found its stride. He's the choice if turning up, but he is engaged at Newbury on Wednesday too. In his absence, recent Carlisle scorer, Trueman, would be the choice as he cleared away well to oblige in a manner suggesting this extra furlong will suit. Zainalarab landed a three-timer last season but was last of nine returning from a 245-day break last month, so the jury is out at present.
Nikovo (8-13) last of 12, 22 1/4l behind Titanium (8-13) at Saint-Cloud 1m stks gs in Oct.
Trueman 11-1 (10-2) In touch, wide and headway over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on, won at Carlisle 7f mdn stks (5) gf in May beating Agnes Grey (9-0) by 2 3/4l, 11 ran.
Million Thanks (IRE) 10-3fav (9-9) Tracked leader, pushed along and unable to quicken 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 9, 5 3/4l behind Repertoire (9-4) at Newmarket 1m hcp (4) gd in May.
Zainalarab 13-2 (9-6) Off the pace in last pair, pushed along over 2f out, no headway and soon beaten, last of 9, 23 1/4l behind Gorak (9-2) at Haydock 7f hcp (3) gf in May.
First Officer (IRE) 20-1 (9-4) Rear mid-division, headway well over 3f out, pushed along and beaten 2f out, 17th of 19, 24 1/2l behind Mustazeed (9-4) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp (3) gd in May.
Discretion 12-1 (9-6) Chased leader on inside, ridden to challenge final furlong, soon outpaced and no extra close home, 6th of 14, 2 1/2l behind Darwell Lion (9-9) at Kempton 1m hcp (4) pol in May.